a plant to consider: Amsonia hubrichtii
Oh sure. There are a million gorgeous colors out there now. One of the many reasons I love fall. But this Amsonia hubrichtii is hands down belle of the ball. (more…)
Cistus Nursery — Sauvie Island, Oregon
Just a quick romp through the fabulous Cistus Nursery on Sauvie Island. We are so lucky in the Pacific Northwest; fabulous nurseries abound. And on a personal note, it was our wedding anniversary, so my husband, Bill, was indulging me. I’m telling you, this dude is a good one. (more…)
happy Fourth of July 2018
May your explosions be of the quiet variety. (more…)
a plant to consider: Lysimachia paridiformis var. stenophylla
A friend recently asked about this plant in my garden, and I couldn’t think of the name. But can you blame me? How am I supposed to keep track of all these things I buy and plant willy nilly. I figure it’s better than letting them go distressed as I wring my hands worrying about the perfect site. Am I alone on this front? Or is just this part of that ten thousand count–wherein gardeners buy and have no idea where they’re going to plant? I strive to be better. But I am not.
plant shopping season
I swore I wasn’t going to buy any new plants before I had my garden weeded, composted, and rearranged. Hahahaha. Turns out that wasn’t true, and it never has been. Bloggers from our area were recently invited to Little Prince of Oregon for a shopping spree. All bets and all budgets were off. (more…)
a plant to consider: Podophyllum pleianthum
Just saying, if you’ve got the shade and the zone, 6a-8b, grow this awesome plant. Podophyllum pleianthum aka Chinese Mayapple is big and splashy, and not the least demanding. Plant in moist organic soil–and then stand back and swoon. (more…)
Who Needs a Tree?
Recently Evan Bean aka the Practical Plant Geek solicited tree suggestions on the PNW Plant Geeks Facebook page. I love this game, and it seems I’m in good company. He might as well have shot a starter pistol. Tree ideas: Go! (more…)
Apparently NOT Spring
The weather gods must be having a good laugh. Some gardeners in the Pacific Northwest got a little ahead of themselves, imagining it was already spring. Guilty. I came darn close to digging and dividing a few plants. Let’s hear it for procrastination. (more…)
Lan Su Chinese Garden: Perspectives
I stopped by the Lan Su Chinese Gardens last weekend–on a mission to identify a couple of plants–like the Jasmine in this post. Bill came along because my husband is an all-around nice guy and good sport. And it’s not a terrible place to visit, even if you’re not an avid gardener. (more…)
hearts and flowers and luscious leaves to you
May all your heartthrobs grow true. (more…)